The Curriculum

Saint Peter’s University offers more than 50 programs leading to the Bachelor’s degree and six leading to the Associate’s degree. These programs are built around two concepts: the core curriculum and the major. The core curriculum provides students with the opportunity for breadth of knowledge while the major concentrates on specialization in a single field of study.

The curriculum at Saint Peter’s University is enriched by opportunities for students to develop composite majors, double majors, and minors; to participate in an honors program and foreign study opportunities; and to become involved in cooperative education and internships.

The Core Curriculum

The core curriculum, required for all undergraduate degree programs offered by Saint Peter’s University, provides opportunities for study in a variety of disciplines. The basic purpose of the core is to address issues intrinsic to a humane education through a liberal arts program committed to the pursuit of knowledge in its fundamental unity, intelligently appreciative of a common cultural heritage, conscious of social and moral obligations, and respectful of the traditions of the Judeo-Christian value system and of Jesuit education.

The core curriculum for the Bachelor’s degree for students consists of 45 specified credits plus a Values course, a Capstone Experience, a Writing Intensive course and a Pluralism course that for most students, will be satisfied within the major.

Some majors require students to choose particular core courses, so students should consult their major requirements before choosing core courses. According to the new core requirements, a single course may be required for a given major, and it may also satisfy one or more of the following requirements as well: Values, Capstone, Writing Intensive, and Pluralism. To complete some majors within eight semesters (4 years), major courses and core courses need to be taken in a particular sequence. Suggested sequences for taking the core curriculum and major requirements are available in the departments, the appropriate Dean’s Office and the Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE).

Within the first year of enrollment, all students must take their English Composition and Mathematics courses based on their placement test results. Additionally, all first year students must register for a First Year Seminar course (Ignatian Seminar) within their first semester. Students who do not complete these requirements satisfactorily and in a timely fashion may be subjected to restricted registration. More specific information is available from faculty advisors and the Deans. As determined by placement results, students who are not adequately prepared may be required to take “foundations” courses prior to beginning the core requirements in composition and mathematics.

The waiver or substitution of any core curriculum requirement can be granted only through the office of the appropriate Dean.

The objectives and outcomes of the core curriculum, achieved through study of the humanities, the natural and social sciences, the fine arts, philosophy, and theology, and incorporating issues related to values and pluralism, are fundamental to the development of the well-educated person. Through the core curriculum students will be expected to be able to do the following.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME (SLO) 1

Develop intellectual and communication skills so that one is able to:

1.1 Problem solve and analyze quantitative information.
1.2 Formulate, critique, and analyze an argument.
1.3 Utilize effective critical thinking skills.
1.4 Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
1.5 Read and write critically and cogently.
1.6 Synthesize knowledge from the core to major.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME (SLO) 2

Explore humanistic and social disciplines in order to:

2.1 Critically think about ideas and events that have shaped the humanistic tradition.
2.2 Distinguish behaviors and characteristics that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
2.3 Discern ethical and moral principles in order to more fully understand one’s role as an individual in a larger community

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME (SLO) 3

Explore scientific disciplines and technology in order to:

3.1 Apply fundamental scientific principles and methods of inquiry to understand the impacts of the scientific research technology.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME (SLO) 4

Exhibit leadership based upon one’s ability to:

4.1 Recognize the role of service, leadership and Ignatian ideals in the realization of a just, civil society.

Core Requirements Checklist (PDF)